Although some fans coming to New Zealand for the 2011 Rugby World Cup may opt to leave their tourist activities until the Rugby is over, many of you will revolve your New Zealand tour around play dates and which venues you are traveling to.
The 2011 Rugby World Cup games are to be played in Auckland, North Shore (Auckland), Whangarei, Hamilton, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Napier, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill. Nine North Island venues....and just three in the South Island.
Shows 2011
Deciding just where you go in New Zealand will partly depend on which Rugby games you have bought tickets for. So this is your first step in setting your itinerary. Next you will want to plan an itinerary that shows you as much of the country as possible between your destinations, within your time frame.
While the 1st of September is officially the first day of spring, it will still be wintery weather and quite cool throughout the country. It is very difficult to predict exactly what kind of weather you will encounter as the New Zealand climate is so changeable. You will definitely need to be prepared for cool temperatures especially at night, some pleasant sunny days up to 19 degree, rain, and for some parts further south than Christchurch....maybe snow!
As you are likely traveling through the whole country, the weather is very different in the North which is generally mild..... to very cold in the mid to southern area of the South Island.
Plan your activities with the weather in mind. You may enjoy a walk along a beach... but will not be sunbathing or swimming unless you are very hardy! Here are some suggestions to help you plan a memorable holiday in New Zealand.
Sightseeing Suggestions for Rugby Venues
AUCKLAND - In Auckland you will want to go up Sky Tower for 360 degree views of the city while perhaps enjoying a meal in the revolving restaurant. Downtown Auckland will be rocking with special activities for the World Cup. Take a ferry out to one of the Hauraki Gulf Islands. Try Waiheke for wine tasting overlooking the many beautiful beaches and bays, or Rangitoto Island...you can ride on the small train or walk to the top of this fascinating volcanic cone...one of over 50 in Auckland. Auckland Museum, the Maritime Museum, the newly upgraded Auckland Art Gallery, Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium and Auckland Zoo are all well worth visiting and apart from the Zoo, good for wet days.
WHANGAREI - Drive to Whangarei via Matakana. If you have some extra time, carry on to the Bay of Islands and return to Auckland down the west coast via historic Rawene, Opononi and Waipoua Kauri Forest...with a stop at Matakohe Museum.
ROTORUA - Allow time in Rotorua to visit a Maori Cultural Village, experience one of the thermal parks and take a ride on the luge. The Agrodome, with an entertaining Farm Show and adrenaline activities are popular family activities. Cross the road to visit Rainbow Springs where you can feed the trout and see the live Kiwi's. End the day in the Polynesian Pools. These are but a few of many great activities and attractions in family oriented Rotorua.
TAURANGA - Tauranga is only an hour from Rotorua. Plan to travel via the city one way and have a lunch stop at Mount Maunganui. Walk around the Mount and enjoy a swim in the thermal Salt Water Pools at the base of the mountain. It is all in one spot.
Another great detour en-route to Rotorua is Waitomo Caves with the glow worms creating a magical cave experience.
NAPIER - Napier is New Zealand's Art Deco City and you can also enjoy wine tasting at any number of wineries. Perhaps you would enjoy a bike tour around the wineries? Or cycle the track that runs from Napier along the foreshore to Havelock North. I can highly recommend the leg from Clive to Havelock North.
NEW PLYMOUTH - New Plymouth, set in the shadow of Mt Taranaki on the west coast, is a small but pleasant city. You will want to do a walk on the mountain....there are several beautiful bush walks from the 15 minute Goblin walk to full day walks. But do check weather at the Information Site and sign in. Pukekura Park is one of the main features of New Plymouth....their "famous in New Zealand" Rhododendron Festival is held in late October. Visit the museum on the beach front I-Site Center, and hire a bike to do the 10 kilometer boardwalk.
WELLINGTON - Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, is a wonderful place to explore on foot. The waterfront has interesting sculptures, Te Papapa - our national museum, restaurants, galleries and more. Just a short bus ride away is Zealandia in the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary. Take the Kelburn Cable car from the central city for city views and wander back via the Botanical Gardens. If you are a Lord of the Rings fan there are several tours to different location sites or bus to Weta Workshops where the 3D animation for many movies including LOTR, King Kong and Avatar was done.
NELSON - Nelson is an attractive historic small city with the first New Zealand Cathedral and other historic churches and buildings. Take a drive out to Mapua and enjoy a meal on the wharf, visit more wineries and while it will be a little early, enjoy the gardens which will be starting to bloom into spring. The original ring from LOTR's can be seen at Jens Hansen at the base of the Cathedral hill.
Stop off in Kaikoura en route to Christchurch for some whale watching. Or have a hot swim at Hanmer Springs and Spa.
CHRISTCHURCH - Christchurch should be recovered and finished repairing earthquake damage. Based around Cathedral Square, Christchurch is a very English style city with historic stone buildings and lovely gardens. The old tram does a circuit of inner city attractions. The Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park will be showing their spring colours with punting on the river. Visit the International Antarctic Center or Southern Encounter. Take the gondola up the Port Hills and enjoy a meal overlooking Lyttleton Harbour. Hire a car and drive out to the French settlement Akaroa. There are several wildlife parks in Christchurch including Orana Park where the animals roam and you drive amongst them.
DUNEDIN - If you are taking in a game in Dunedin you will be one of the first to experience their new completely covered Stadium. Do a day trip out to Otago Peninsula to visit the Albatross Colony, Penguins and Larnach Castle.....and for chocoholics be sure to visit the Cadbury's Chocolate Factory.
INVERCARGILL - Invercargill, south of Dunedin.... is a small city at the southernmost tip of the South Island. For wildlife you should drive out to Porpoise Bay to view the rare Hector's dolphins and Nugget Point for sealions, seals, penguins, gannets and other wildlife. From here you will want to travel on to Wanaka and Queenstown.
QUEENSTOWN - Queenstown is New Zealand's jewel and you will be spoiled for choice with so many activities and attractions on offer. Adrenaline activities include bungy jumping, either at the original bungy jump or one of the other thrilling choices, skiing and snowboarding, wine tasting, LOTR's tours, and much, much more. If the weather allows.... the trip down to Milford Sound is a must. The nine hour return trip it is a long day, but the scenery magnificent.
This part of the country will have snow and be cold which you will have to plan around. But you will be treated to stunning scenery and a huge selection of experiences to choose from. Plan well and enjoy your New Zealand holiday.
New Zealand Travel Itinerary Recommendations for 2011 Rugby World Cup Visitors
Hi, Gail here. I am a New Zealander who has travelled my own country extensively and love to share. CLICK THE LINK to view my tips, recommendations and detailed information for independent travellers to New Zealand at http://www.holidays-in-newzealand.com
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